Ogier takes slender lead

Sebastien Ogier takes the lead of Rally Australia following the first two runs through the Coffs Harbour superspecial stage

Sebastien Ogier has taken a slender lead on Rally Australia after beating team-mate Sebastien Loeb to top spot on the two runs through the Coffs Harbour superspecial on Thursday evening.

Ogier was fastest on the first run through the short stage before Loeb led the way through the repeat run. However, it is Ogier who will take an advantage into the first day proper, with the Citroen pair split by 0.6 seconds going into Friday's stages.

"It was a good start but the real start is tomorrow," Ogier said. "It was quite slippery and not easy to find the right rhythm. The car is good so I'm happy."

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Behind the two Citroen drivers, Jari-Matti Latvala was third fastest and best of the Fords, setting a time 2.8secs down on Ogier through the opening two stages. Team-mate Mikko Hirvonen was fourth fastest, 3.1secs further back.

"The road was mostly damp and there were a few places where it was slippery under braking, but it was better than I expected," Latvala said. "The grip was good. Tomorrow's opening stage is the most demanding of the rally so it will be a big wake-up call. But tonight I will go to bed with a smile!"